"The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond" is a 1960 attempt to recreate a 1930s Warner Bros. Gangster picture, and it works pretty well.
Like those gangster pictures of yesteryear, it's unambitious in scope and theme and exists primarily as a bit of lurid entertainment. Though set in the 1920s, it doesn't do a good job at all of recreating the time period. Aside from some old-looking cars and the occasional 20s inspired women's dress or hat, it looks like it was made in 1960 -- dig those 60s hairstyles. But nevertheless, Howard Shoup managed an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design for his efforts.
Ray Danton is unbelievably handsome as the title character. He might not have great acting chops, but I'm surprised he didn't become more famous for his looks alone. The female eye candy isn't half bad either, especially va-va-voom Karen Steele as one of the many people Legs uses and abuses.
If you like mobster movies, this one's worth checking out.
Grade: B+
Like those gangster pictures of yesteryear, it's unambitious in scope and theme and exists primarily as a bit of lurid entertainment. Though set in the 1920s, it doesn't do a good job at all of recreating the time period. Aside from some old-looking cars and the occasional 20s inspired women's dress or hat, it looks like it was made in 1960 -- dig those 60s hairstyles. But nevertheless, Howard Shoup managed an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design for his efforts.
Ray Danton is unbelievably handsome as the title character. He might not have great acting chops, but I'm surprised he didn't become more famous for his looks alone. The female eye candy isn't half bad either, especially va-va-voom Karen Steele as one of the many people Legs uses and abuses.
If you like mobster movies, this one's worth checking out.
Grade: B+